Spyker Castle, Renaissance castle in Glowe, Germany.
Spyker Castle is a rectangular, three-story rendered brick building from the 16th century, its red walls topped by a steep dark red roof. Four round corner towers with green dome roofs give it a castle-like appearance. A central section rises higher on the front facade, and rows of white-framed windows are set into the walls.
Spyker was first mentioned in 1318 as a possession of the von Külpen family of Stralsund. In 1344 a von Külpen daughter married into the von Jasmund family, founding the Spyker branch that died out in 1648. After the Peace of Westphalia, Queen Christina of Sweden granted the estate to Carl Gustav Wrangel in 1649; he had the moated castle rebuilt as a Renaissance schloss from 1650, and died there on 25 June 1676.
The upper-floor stucco ceilings, made around 1652, are named "the Four Seasons", "the Four Elements" and the "Peacock Ceiling". They were removed during the 1965–1968 renovation and later re-mounted, some in new positions. Two hand-carved oak doors on the ground floor were also restored.
The castle operates today as a hotel offering accommodation and modern amenities for guests. Visitors should note that access to certain areas may be limited to hotel guests, so it is worth checking in advance what is available to see.
The Falu red paint dates from Carl Gustav Wrangel's rebuilding after 1650, an unusual colour for Rügen. Inside, three fully sculpted stucco ceilings made around 1652 — the Four Seasons, the Four Elements and the Peacock ceiling — were removed during the 1965–1968 renovation and later re-mounted, some in new positions.
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